You're in the middle of your passport application process, ready to submit your paperwork, when you hit a roadblock—you need your passport number, but you don’t have your passport.
Maybe your passport is lost, or it might have been stolen. The stress of missing this crucial passport detail is building, leaving you uncertain about what to do next. We understand how frustrating this situation can be—especially when you're so close to finishing your passport application and moving forward with your travel plans.
A Practical Solution: Request the Passport Records
First, take a deep breath. You can retrieve your passport number, even if your passport is lost, stolen, or simply out of reach.
The U.S. Department of State maintains records of all issued passports, which means you can request your passport number through them. Whether you're trying to complete a passport application, report a lost passport, or need documentation for another purpose, the Department of State can help.
Every time you receive a new passport book or card, you’re assigned a new passport number, even if it’s a renewal. If you need the number of your current passport or a previous one, you can request these records for yourself or for someone else (see details on requesting records for someone else below).
How to Request a US Passport Number Without a Passport
If you need to retrieve your US passport number but don’t have your physical passport, you must formally request your passport records from the U.S. Department of State. Here’s what that involves:
Prepare a Written Request
- Write a formal letter requesting your passport number.
- The letter can be emailed to: ppt-public-foiarequests@state.gov, or the letter can be mailed to:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Records Management
Records Review and Release Division
44132 Mercure Cir
P.O. Box 1227
Sterling, VA 20166
- Your letter must include the following information:
- Full Name: Provide your full name at birth and any other names you’ve used.
- Date and Place of Birth: State your date and place of birth.
- Contact Information: Include your mailing address, phone number, and email address.
- Passport Details: List your passport’s issue date (or estimated date).
- Additional Information: Provide any other details that could help locate your records.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Attach a clear copy of both sides of a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license).
- If you are requesting records for someone else, you must provide the following information:
- Legal Authority: If requesting records for another person, provide your full name and evidence of your legal authority (e.g., use the DS-4240 form to provide proof of relationship and/or proof of authorization).
- Notary Requirement: Sign your written request in front of a notary public or include a copy of your valid, government-issued photo ID.
*Please Note: If you do not have the authority to request passport records or if the person you are requesting for is deceased, you may request their passport number through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Explanation of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests for Passport Records
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request access to passport records under specific circumstances, even if you don’t have direct authorization from the person whose records you’re seeking. Here's when and how you would use a FOIA request for passport records:
When to Submit a FOIA Request
- No Authorization from the Person: If you need to obtain passport records for someone else but don’t have written authorization from that person, you can submit a FOIA request. This might apply if you're conducting research or need information for legal purposes.
- The Person is Deceased: If the individual whose records you need is deceased, you can request their passport records through a FOIA request without needing prior authorization.
How to Submit a FOIA Request
- Email: Send your request to ppt-public-foiarequests@state.gov with the subject line "FOIA Officer." The body of the email should include your letter formally requesting the passport number and all necessary identifying details.
- Mail: Alternatively, you can mail your request to the Office of Records Management address provided above.
When submitting a FOIA request, be as detailed as possible about the records you are requesting. The FOIA request process provides a way to access information that might otherwise be restricted, especially when dealing with situations where direct consent is not available.
Processing Fees
There is no fee for requesting a regular copy of a passport record.
However, if you require a certified copy, you must pay a $50 fee by money order or check made payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”
Processing Times
Be advised that the process of obtaining a missing passport number is long. Once you have submitted your written request via email or mail, it takes between 12 and 16 weeks to receive the passport number requested. Due to the extended processing time, you should always report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible to avoid delays in travel plans.
By following these instructions, you will be able to acquire the missing passport number and/or related passport records that you need from the U.S. Department of State without issue.
Report a Lost or Stolen Passport ASAP: Why You Should Take Action
The consequences of not having your passport number can be serious. Keep in mind that processing a request for a missing passport number or related records already takes 12 to 16 weeks. Any delay in requesting this information could push your passport application timeline even further, potentially jeopardizing your travel plans. Acting promptly is essential to avoid additional setbacks and ensure you receive your passport in time for your trip.
Furthermore, if your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to prevent serious issues such as identity theft and other potential legal issues. Failing to do so could result in serious complications, including being denied a replacement passport.
By taking action now, you can avoid these headaches and get your travel plans back on track. If your passport is lost or stolen, reporting it is the first step toward getting a new one. To help you navigate these processes, our comprehensive guides on handling a lost passport and replacing a stolen passport provide step-by-step instructions. If you're in a rush, you can even get a replacement passport in two weeks or less.
Using A Passport Expediting Service: Let the Pros Handle It!
If this all seems overwhelming or if you’re worried about making a mistake, there’s no need to stress. A passport expediting service can take the pressure off by ensuring your application is correctly filled out and submitted quickly. This service is especially beneficial if:
- You’re in a time crunch,
- You lost your passport, or
- Your passport was stolen.
While you could go through the process on your own, consider the benefits of leaving it to a professional courier:
- Reduced risk of errors,
- Faster processing times, and
- Peace of mind knowing that experts are handling everything.
If your situation is straightforward and you feel confident handling the process on your own, there’s no need to use an expediting service. Our goal is to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs, ensuring you have the support you need, whether you choose to go it alone or seek professional assistance.
Key Takeaways
| New Numbers | Every time you get a new passport, you receive a new passport number—this applies whether it’s a renewal or a replacement. |
| Records Requests | If you need your passport number, you can request it through the U.S. Department of State’s official records request service. |
| Report Missing Books | Lost or stolen passports must be reported immediately to prevent identity theft and other legal complications. |
| Expediting Services | Consider using a passport expediting service if you’re worried about making a mistake or need to speed up the process. |
If your passport number is missing, take action immediately! Taking action now will save you from potential delays and complications, allowing you to focus on your travel plans with peace of mind. Whether you decide to handle it yourself or let the pros take over, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
How Do I Get My Passport Number? And Other FAQs
You cannot get your passport number online. You need to get the number from the physical passport book or card itself.
If you are reporting the passport as lost and/or applying for a new one and do not have the passport number, you may leave it blank on the forms and just provide other details. If you need the number for some other purpose, you may request a passport record. This may take 12 to 16 weeks to process.
You cannot renew a passport that is not in your possession. If you cannot submit the physical passport, you need to submit a new passport application as if it's your first time applying.
Please submit the following in person at a local acceptance facility:
- 1. Form DS-11
- 2. Evidence of U.S. citizenship (original or certified copy plus a photocopy)
- 3. Proof of identity (present the ID and submit a clear photocopy)
- 4. One passport photo
- 5. Payment for fees
As long as all other identification details are consistent, there shouldn’t be any issues. For certification inquiries, please contact the Department of State's Passport Services at 1-877-487-2778.
You should use the current legal name that is listed on your amended birth certificate.
Yes, you will be able to. Just write “NA” in fields on the application form that you do not have the answer to.
You do not need to order a renewal just for the number. You may file a formal request for your passport records directly with the Department of State.
You need to indicate that you have been issued a passport in the past. If you do not have any specific issue details or numbers, you may write “NA.”
You cannot renew a lost passport. You must submit a new application in person using Form DS-11. You may write “NA” for the issue date and passport number if you do not have them.
Since passport numbers are alphanumeric, it may have been a simple reading or entry error like a zero instead of an O or a 1 instead of an L, or vice versa. For questions regarding Global Entry or similar programs, please go to the Trusted Traveler Program website or call the CBP at (877) 227-5511.
You may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778. Live customer service representatives are available Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may also send a follow-up email to NPIC@state.gov.
There's no way of knowing the passport number unless you formally request a passport record from the Office of Records Management, which can take up to 16 weeks to process.
If you have already applied and are waiting for your book, you may contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 or NPIC@state.gov to inquire about status options.
No. You will be issued a completely new passport number with your new passport layout. You will only know what the new number is when you receive the physical document.
You will get the passport numbers when you receive the physical passports. We strongly recommend not making any final travel arrangements until the passports arrive to avoid rebookings in case of delays.
You cannot renew a passport that is not in your possession. You need to submit a new passport application using Form DS-11 in person. Complete section 21 of Form DS-11 with as much information as you have available, and just leave the passport number section blank or write “NA.”
In this specific case where your documentation is held inside an open application stream, please contact the NPIC at 1-877-487-2778 for guidance on matching your replacement paperwork.
You do not need the old passport book number to report it as lost. If you need the book number for other specific purposes, you will need to request a formal passport record.
Because it has been expired for over 5 years and is physically lost, you do not need the number. You must apply for an entirely new passport in person at a local acceptance facility.
You may request certified copies of your passport records through the U.S. Department of State's Office of Records Management. There is no fee for regular copies, but you need to include a $50 payment for certification. Obtain Passport Records.
To get the information you need, you have to request a passport record, which takes several weeks to process. An agent will not be able to provide you with your private passport number over the phone due to security protocols.
A unique new number is issued with every single new or renewed U.S. passport document.
Compare Your Fast Passport Options
If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.
